Tuesday, September 30, 2014

I remember hearing about Janie and Jack on various blogs back before I was even pregnant. I thought their stuff was adorable and knew once we had a baby I had to make sure they had some of their items to wear. Which is why on my trip to Houston earlier this year, when I saw there store I had to stop in. Especially since there isn't one in Baton Rouge. Lucky for me we were in there in the middle of a sale, which made me feel far better about picking these things up.

First was the pink sweater from the boy's section. It can definitely be hard to buy unisex clothing but I figured this was perfect. Yes, it's pink which says girl, except technically it is meant for boys, so it could easily work either way.

In the middle is a crab onesie with matching socks. While I realize it may not be the best theme for a winter baby, I figure we can definitely make it work.

Finally on the right there's elephant pajamas with a matching hat, which I have a feeling I'll be making the most use of.

While I love Janie and Jack's clothes, it's expensive enough that I know it likely won't be a common purchase. But I have a feeling every once in a while I won't be able to help myself to bring home an item or two!

Sunday, September 28, 2014

It's kind of funny seeing I'm so close to my 100th Mailbox Monday post, and yet realizing if I post every single week, by the time I get there I'll be only a few weeks away from having a baby. Funny how one thing can seem so far away, but another the same distance away feels so close. But till then, here's this week's addition where I'm linking up the new books I've brought into our home.

Borrowed from a FriendThe Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson
The boy is a huge fan of Sanderson, although doesn't normally read his YA books. Which is funny in a way, since he claims to have read this one. Except I don't ever remember seeing it in the house, nor did he offer it to me. But at least I have a friend who did lend me a copy so I can see what he's all about.

For Review from TLC Book ToursThis Dark Road to Mercy by Wiley Cash
This is actually the last book I'm going to be reviewing before the baby arrives. I know I'm going to need to cut back significantly on reading after the baby arrives, and wanting to spend the last few months before that trying to whittle down my to-read pile. But knowing how much I enjoyed Wiley Cash's last book I'm excited to have this as my last review book, at least last review for the time being.

PurchasedMy Baby Book by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
I've spent a lot of time looking through baby books and picked this one since it's a lot more fact than feeling based, which works for me. I've already starting filling parts of it out, and while I realize it likely won't get 100% complete, I'm hoping to have fun with what does get written in it.

Friday, September 26, 2014

Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way by Susan McCutcheon
Published: July 1, 1996 by PlumeOriginally Published: 1984
Early on while planning our wedding I read Celebrating Interfaith Marriages. I enjoyed it at the time, but it wasn't till I got closer to the big day and started writing our ceremony that I realized how helpful it was. I think that is definitely the case with this book. Yes, I enjoyed reading it, but I don't think I'll be able to truly appreciate it until I'm actually at the hospital giving birth.

While the is the second book I've read on this subject, this one is quite a bit different from Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. Yes, they do go over similar topics, and I do mean more specific than they're both about birth, but this one is far more of a how-to manual. There's exercises for both your body and mind to prepare you for the birth, and so far I'm finding them helpful.

I do think this book feels outdated though. Yes, this is the revised edition (published in 1996 vs. the original in 1984), but it's still almost 20 years old. I do think some of the hospital practices still apply, but it feels like a quite a few have fallen out of common use. Although there are several scenarios that seem quite similar to what I've seen friends go through, which does mean certain aspects are still quite relevant.

In some ways I feel like I've already read more about birth than most people, but I'm not quite done yet. (Although is that really that surprising since I also feel like I read more in general than most people would.) I'm planning on reading at least one more book on the Bradley Method, and then likely read one more besides that, not specifically on the Bradley Method, before I'm finished. I definitely think that was a great one to read fairly earlier on for me, and hopefully I feel the same several months down the road when I need to refer back to it!

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Size of the Baby: A butternut squash (which is pretty perfect considering yesterday was the first day of fall).

Maternity Clothes: Still about the same here. Although it is starting to get cooler which makes me excited because I have a few maternity sweaters I've been excited to finally wear.

Nursery: Still about the same here.

Stretch Marks: Still thankfully none.

Sleep: I've noticed when I'm trying to fall asleep it's getting harder to turn over and get comfortable, but still, once I'm out, I'm down the rest of the night.

Movement: I've always heard people talk about how weird it is to see their stomach move on the outside, and for the first time I experience it this week.

Cravings: Well, I did fail my 3-hour glucose test last week, so I guess that officially means I have gestational diabetes. So far I've been trying to stay away from desserts and candy, but it really isn't fun, especially when they all sound so amazing and they're right in front of me.

Symptoms: I guess besides the fact that I failed my glucose test, nothing really. Although as an upside, they were able to determine my blood on the spot, so after I failed after both 1 hour and 2 hour, I was able to leave instead of needing to test my sugar levels a third time.

What I Miss: I basically gave up caffeine once I was pregnant, and switched to Sprite or certain brands of root beer. But now both of those are basically off limits, which of course means the urge for something like a Dr. Pepper is even stronger.

Looking Forward To: I feel like this week's answers have been all about gestational diabetes, so nothing to do but continue it here, right? But later this week I'll officially meet with a dietitian to actually go over my new diets (which I've already started to implement), as well as testing my blood sugar daily, which I'm really kind of dreading.

Monday, September 22, 2014

In what's become an annual tradition at From L.A. to LA, I'm posting my fall tv schedule. Yes, I do this partly so you all know what I'm watching, but a lot of it is also for my own sanity so I can remember what to watch when. Especially with tv shows changing their normal day (I'm talking to you Amazing Race!).

We don't have a dvr either, at least not yet, which makes things more difficult. Although the plan is to have one before the baby arrives, since I know after that there's no way I be able to sit down and watch at my normal times. But for the next few months at least, here's what I'll be watching. All times listed are Central, and if there's no premiere date listed it's because it's already on. (Plus if you're looking for a blast from the past you can see my schedule from 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, and 2009.)

Sunday
7-8pm: Real Housewives of New Jersey
I'm not sure how much longer this season will be on, but I'll definitely be watching. It is interesting considering all the drama with Theresa, that it actually has been a somewhat weak season. I guess I just would rather be watching Jacqueline and Caroline than Amber and the twins. Actually now that I think about it, I believe Caroline's new tv show premiers at this time once RHONJ ends.

Monday
There isn't actually anything I want to watch on Monday. Although I know the boy will be watching The Big Bang Theory so I may wind up watching a few episodes with him.

Tuesday
8-9pm: Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D 9/23
8-9pm: 19 Kids and Counting
I really loved last season of S.H.I.E.L.D, especially the way they were able to tie it in to all the Marvel movies, and can't wait to see where they go with it this season. While the Duggars are on at the same time, they do normally repeat their show, so I should be able to manage till we have a dvr.

Wednesday
7-8pm: Survivor 9/24
9-10pm: Nashville 9/24
9-9:30: I Heart Nick Carter
9-10pm: Top Chef - New England 10/15
Clearly the show of the night here has to be I Heart Nick Carter (airing on VH1 if you're curious). It is kind of a crazy night, but both Bravo and VH1 are pretty good about repeating their shows over and over. Plus Top Chef doesn't actually premier for about a month.

Thursday
7-8pm: Grey's Anatomy 9/25
9-10pm: Parenthood 9/25
Overall, this is the night of tv I'm most excited for. It is a little sad knowing this is Parenthood's last season, but hopefully knowing that they're able to go out strong.

Friday
7-8pm: Amazing Race 9/26
8-9pm: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team
DCC is by far my biggest guilty pleasure, but I just can't stop watching it! And while I'm not sure I'm ok with Amazing Race moving to Fridays, I'll still make the move for it.

I realize there aren't any new shows here, at least besides I Heart Nick Carter. Part of that is because there aren't really any I'm dying to watch, but also I figure now isn't the time to pick up anything new. I guess we'll have to see how I make it through this next year, and I'll be really curious to see what this post looks like next year.

What are the tv shows on your must watch list? Do we have any in common?

Sunday, September 21, 2014

It's been a crazy few days, and I have a feeling this next week is going to get even crazier. But in the calm before the storm, I'm linking up with Mailbox Monday to share the books I've recently added to my shelves.

For Review from TLC Book ToursUs by David Nicholls
I'm so, so, so excited for this book. Which is funny in a way because I don't actually know that much about its plot. Except it is written by the author of One Day, a book I loved, so I clearly have high hopes for it. I guess I just have to hope that it lives up to the lofty expectations I've built for it, but I not too worried here.

Friday, September 19, 2014

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins
Published: August 14, 2014 by Dutton
The last time I saw my mom alive I was reading Perkins' Lola and the Book Next Door. And yet, when I look back on that book the only thing I think about is how much I loved it, not the sad memories I could have associated with it. If that doesn't say something about how uplifting Stephanie Perkins' books can be, I don't know what does.

It has been three years since I read Anna and the French Kiss, so I can't say I really remember the part that Isla and Josh played it that book. But it doesn't really matter, since I was sure I was going to love this and feel completely transported which was definitely the case.

One thing I love about Stephnie Perkins' books is how perfectly they bring you back to high school. All the time Isla spends crushing over Josh and obsessing every interaction with him is exactly what I remember doing myself. While things never quite worked out for me the way they did for her, it would have been pretty awesome if they did.

As you would expect Anna, Etienne, Lola, and Cricket all make their cameo. It is a smaller cameo than the one in Lola, but it is pretty perfectly executed.

It's hard for me to go back and say which of these three books is my favorite since it's been so long since I read the other two. All three definitely deserve a reread, but till then I may have to list Isla as much favorite, followed by Anna, and then Lola. So yes, in case you're unsure this was definitely worth the wait.

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Nursery: No official progress on the nursery, but I have made progress on the registry, which I guess you could say is indirectly part of the nursery.

Stretch Marks: Still none!

Sleep: I'm still getting leg cramps if I stretch out the wrong way early in the morning. It's more of an annoyance than anything, but at least it hasn't happened in the middle of the night again.

Movement: Lots happening here.

Cravings: Nothing really I can think of. Although I did have a Pumpkin Spice Cream Frappuccino, which basically means a frap without any coffee, and that was pretty awesome.

Symptoms: Well, I didn't pass my first glucose test, which means I'll be taking a 3 hour one in the next week. Hopefully I don't wind up with gestational diabetes, but I guess we'll have to wait and see.

What I Miss: Nothing really, although I imagine if I do have to cut back on desserts, that'll be what I really miss.

Looking Forward To: We're meeting with our Rabbi this weekend to talk through the bris/naming. The only one I've ever been to was my brother's which doesn't really count, so I'm looking forward to at least going over some of the logistical aspects of it.